Browse Bible Study Resources

Daily Devotions

Hebrews

Hebrews 
Day 
Day 269

"The just shall live by faith..."

Text: Hebrews 10:38

A MIGHTY CHALLENGE

A second word of challenge was given to the believers to regain confidence and to possess endurance.

“Now the just shall live by faith;
But if anyone draws back,
My soul has no pleasure in him.”
Hebrews 10:38

1. Now the just shall live by faith

a) This was a historic statement made by the prophet Habakkuk (Cf. Habakkuk 2:4).
b) The theme of justification by faith was superbly developed by the apostle Paul in his classic epistle Romans (Beginning with Romans 1:17)
c) The author of Hebrews now appealed to his readers “to live by faith”.

2. The opposite of living by faith

a) If anyone draws back
i) This is a person who has virtually abandoned his faith.
ii) This is a danger that must not be taken lightly.
iii) This is a very real and present danger (in any age).
iv) The history of ancient Israel drawing back from following after God is well recorded in the Old Testament Scriptures
b) Drawing back is an unnecessary and unwise option
i) This is truly senseless.
ii) A life of faithlessness is not an easier lifestyle.

3. My soul has no pleasure in him

a) God takes a very dim view of the person who “draws back”.
b) He expresses this very clearly; He has “no pleasure in him”.
The challenge of the author of Hebrews must not go unanswered! There is every reason to cultivate both confidence and endurance!